One of the nice things about working with my housekeeping checklist, a bonus if you will, is that while I am cleaning I am also able to take inventory of what I have inside of my home. This allows me to clearly know what I already have on hand and if I see something that is damaged or worn out, or I find something I am running low on, I will add it to my shopping list. Additionally, it also allows me the opportunity to declutter anything I no longer need, use or want. After finishing up my housekeeping checklist at the end of June I realized I have a lengthy list of things I don’t need to buy for the remainder of 2025.
Toilet Paper
I am still working off of the 2020 pandemic stash we amassed during that crazy time. It wasn’t intentional to accumulate that much T.P., but with three people constantly buying it there for a while we acquired quite a stash. When the girls moved out on their own they didn’t take much of it with them and told me to keep it for my retirement. Although I’ve been using it the last three years and the stockpile is diminishing I still have quite a bit in the linen closet so I have no need to buy more at this time.
Coffee
Coffee is my favorite beverage. I look forward to my first cup every morning and it is a big part of my daily routine. I intentionally stockpiled coffee in advance of my retirement date so I had a good supply. Last year, when they reported coffee prices were going to rise due to crop failures, I topped up my stockpile replacing all that I had used so far. Plus, my BFF likes to buy me coffee as gifts so right now I am well stocked and will not need to buy anymore coffee this year.
Toiletries
I am well stocked up on everything I typically use to get ready for my day and at bedtime. I have plenty of toothbrushes and toothpaste, floss, soaps, shower gels, lotions, creams, shampoo and conditioner. At the beginning of this year I restocked my flossers and toothpaste when it was on sale and a few months later added a bottle of shampoo and a bottle of hair conditioner. I am all set for the remainder of the year.
Food Storage Containers & Canning Jars
I have more than enough plastic bags, wraps, foils, waxed paper and plastic freezer containers. I also have all the canning jars and supplies I will need so these items will not be on my shopping list again this year and more than likely well into 2026.
Clothing, Shoes & Purses
Right now I have everything I need and wear. I’ve already made the planned purchases of items I wanted to replace so I will not need to buy anything else this year. I don’t even think I will need any new shoes and I have one really nice purse which is all I need in this stage of my life. As time goes on I find I really do enjoy having a smaller wardrobe with fewer choices and for now I just want to keep it that way.
Office Supplies
During the past couple of years I have decluttered and donated a lot of the office and all of the school supplies I had in my house. In the process I have managed to streamline and really hone in on what I actually need and use. Now I’m in the “use it up” phase of what is left. Currently my office supplies take up the two drawers of my TV stand. My goal is to whittle it all down to only use one drawer so I will not be purchasing anything new this year.
Craft & Sewing Supplies
In my mission to declutter my home I have gone through all of my crafting and sewing supplies and donated a ton of stuff keeping only items I felt I would actually use. I also reorganized and labeled everything so I could easily find what I need when I go to make something. I am really enjoying how this has worked out for me. Because I want to give mostly handmade gifts to friends and loved ones I want to use up my supplies to make those gifts as well as any items I may want to have for myself. I have more than enough supplies inside my home to accomplish this goal so I will not need to buy anything more this year.
With all of this in mind I can now concentrate on things I actually need to repurchase. As I do so I am trying to be realistic about what I need and how much I actually need of it. It is very tempting, especially when something goes on sale for a really good price, to want to stock up on a bunch of it, but if you are buying more than you need it simply becomes a waste of money. I’m still trying to find that balance, but I feel like I am finally making some progress. Making a list like this and understanding why I don’t need more really helps.
The other day I was in the store to pick up two specific items I wanted and as I strolled through the aisles I realized just how much I already have and do not need to buy. I picked up the items I had gone there for and left the store feeling really good about where I’m currently at.
I never understood the toilet paper crisis of 2020. Storing so much of it sounds like a pain in the neck. I usually only buy what I will use up within a month or two. Some people I saw in HEB were having to buy Chinet dinner napkins because they couldn't find any TP. Their plumbing probably suffered! Within weeks it all evened out with the grocery stores getting stock to the stores. It was madness. Same thing happens here when the Texas coast gets a hurricane. People overbuy bottled water in Central Texas, which isn't even affected.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. I remember telling my girls I'd cut up a sheet if it came to that. Maybe I shouldn't have said that because I think it spurned them to buy so much and then for them to leave most of it behind.... goodness. If it ever happens again I'm cutting up a sheet! LOL
DeleteThe toilet paper supply in our area was quite sparse for a long time during covid but I had been stocking it on a regular basis prior so we were fine. I even had those paper masks in stock.
ReplyDeleteI’m good on soap for the rest of the year.
Here too. For many weeks and I didn't understand it at all. I still have a lot of paper masks. Probably will never need to buy those again.
DeleteI always like a no spend challenge! I think I can do all of those but the toilet paper and the coffee, but I could calculate and stock up (which might work for us!)
ReplyDeleteYay! I love it when others join me. :o)
DeleteI don't know why but I was never worried about the TP. I was able to get it when I needed it.My only stock up was an extra package or 2 that I usually have because I hate to run out.
ReplyDeleteI took a load of donations to a thrift shop on Wednesday. Boy that felt good!
My grandson got into a bag I had planned to donate also but it has craft supplies and he wanted to use them. So I'm rethinking that bag. I already have a shelf in my craft room for him. So if some of that stuff fits on his shelf I'll give it to him. Saves on buying him anything for sure.
It was weird having TP, of all things, so hard to find. I'm hoping that never happens again.
Delete